3-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
Overview
Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
Discover the best of Iceland in winter on this unforgettable Northern Lights Hunt, designed to showcase the country’s most iconic sights while maximising your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Travel along the famous Golden Circle, visit powerful waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, explore the dramatic black sand beaches of the South Coast, and marvel at the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
The tour is carefully planned to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Along the way, enjoy comfortable accommodation, scenic drives through ever-changing winter landscapes, and fascinating insights into Iceland’s nature and culture. This tour is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meals: Not included except for daily breakfast at your accommodation. However, your guide will make regular stops at convenient locations where you can enjoy lunch and dinner, whether at local restaurants, cafés, or service stations. A main meal in Iceland typically costs between ISK 2,500–4,500, depending on the venue and choice of dish.
What To Expect
The Golden Circle
Accommodations
Hótel Katla or similar
Reykjavik
Pickup at your hotel in Reykjavik. On this day we will drive along the famous Golden Circle of South Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Our first stop is Thingvellir where the forces of the Great Atlantic Rift are clearly visible. This is where the North American and European tectonic plates drift apart at a rate of 2-6 cm per year. Thingvellir is also the place where the ancient Icelandic parliament was established in 930.
Geysir
Then we head to the Geysir hot spring area, home to the famous Geysir hot spring from which all other geysers take their name. Geysir is no longer active, but another hot spring, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes.
Fridheimar
Continue to Friðheimar, a unique geothermal greenhouse where you'll see how tomatoes and other plants are grown year-round using sustainable energy.
Gullfoss Falls
Then, marvel at Gullfoss, the majestic golden waterfall, renowned for its breathtaking beauty and powerful cascades.
Vik
We then drive to our accommodation near the town of Vik, where we will stay for 2 nights. Hunt for the Northern Lights in the evening. This excursion depends on the weather and aurora activity on the day and could be postponed to the second night in the countryside.
White Glaciers and Black Sands
Accommodations
Hótel Katla or similar
Jokulsarlon
We head east, along the southern shore, to the unique Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The Lagoon developed around 60 years ago with a continuous process of calving and falling icebergs from the glacier tongue Breiðamerkurjökull. These icebergs are seen in two shades: milky white and bright blue, an interplay of light and ice crystals. The Lagoon is filled with fishes that drift in from the sea along with the tides. Seals gather in large numbers at the mouth of the Lagoon to catch the fish during winter, which is a sight to be seen.
Diamond Beach
Located nearby, visit the Diamond Beach, renowned for its stunning black sand covered with sparkling icebergs that have washed ashore. These icebergs, originating from the glacier lagoon, create a breathtaking contrast against the dark volcanic sand, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The ever-changing landscape of ice fragments glistening in the sunlight provides a unique and mesmerizing experience.
Vatnajokull National Park
On the return journey, travel through the stunning Vatnajökull National Park. This vast protected area is home to Europe’s largest glacier, dramatic mountain peaks, and powerful waterfalls cascading into deep valleys. The landscape is shaped by both ice and fire, with signs of ancient volcanic activity visible amid the lush green vegetation and glacial rivers. It’s a place where Iceland’s raw natural forces come together to create truly breathtaking scenery.
Vik
Overnight stay in a hotel near the village of Vík
Volcanoes and Waterfalls
Reynisfjara Beach
On this day, we will enjoy a ride along the south coast of Iceland. This coastal road offers views of glacier tongues, waterfalls, rugged hills, black sand beaches, and its famous volcanoes. We visit the black sand beach at Reynisfjara to view the geological formation and the smashing waves. Be careful not to step too close as the waves can be dangerous.
Skogafoss
Next, stop and admire the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most iconic waterfalls, located on the Skógá River in the south of the country. It plunges 60 metres (200 feet) over a rocky cliff, creating a powerful and picturesque cascade. On sunny days, the spray from Skógafoss often produces vivid rainbows, adding to its natural beauty and making it a popular destination for visitors and photographers alike.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Next we stop at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. Here you can walk behind the waterfall but dress well, as the water mist behind the waterfall can make you wet.
Blue Lagoon
The final highlight before getting back to Reykjavik is the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is on the National Geographic list of 25 wonders of the world, claiming it is a geothermal gift of nature. Enjoy soaking in the mineral-rich water with its fine silica mud experience (this is an optional extra).
Reykjavik
Late afternoon arrival back at your hotel in Reykjavík. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in your capital.
Options
Standard Rate (Tiered Pricing) pickup:Y
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Accommodation in Vík area with private bathroom for 2 nights
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the greenhouse at Friðheimar Geothermal Farm
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby bus stop
Expert guidance from a professional local guide
Accommodation in Reykjavík
Meals other than breakfast at the hotel
Bathing at the Blue Lagoon
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Snaeland travel is awesome
amnaa945,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently traveled to Iceland with Exotica Canada and Snaeland Travel, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. A big part of what made this trip so memorable was our guide and driver, Heimer. Heimer was knowledgeable, engaging, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He jokingly referred to himself as a "broken radio" because he was constantly sharing fascinating information throughout the journey. His commentary covered everything from glaciers, volcanoes, ice caves, waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and Iceland's unique weather to Viking history, culture, and local traditions. His passion for Iceland was evident, and he made every destination come alive with his stories and insights. What impressed me most was his dedication to ensuring that every guest had the best possible experience. He consistently went above and beyond, often giving extra time and energy to make sure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying the trip. One particularly memorable example was his determination to help us see the Northern Lights. After a long day, many of us were tired, but Heimer never gave up. He took us on a Northern Lights hunt that lasted more than two hours late into the evening. Despite the cold weather and the late hour, he continued driving to different locations, getting out repeatedly to assess conditions and maximize our chances. His perseverance paid off, and thanks to his hard work and commitment, every member of our group was able to witness the Northern Lights. It was truly a magical experience that we will never forget. Heimer was generous with his time, passionate about his work, and genuinely cared about the experience of every traveler. He is one of the best guides I have ever had during my travels with Exotica. I highly recommend Snaeland Travel, and if you are fortunate enough to have Heimer as your guide, consider yourself very lucky. He is an exceptional professional who truly goes the extra mile to create unforgettable memories for his guests.
Mega great trip that screams for more
Bergzicke1904,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was just mega. Too bad the snow got in the way, but we want to come back in the summer.
Very interesting
albertsS3973CH,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Peter accompanied us for 3 days we felt very comfortable. He kept us informed with very useful contributions. In German and English. Thanks again
Fantastic Tour!
Y715GLsimones,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved this trip! Ellert was an excellent guide—very knowledgeable and engaging. He shared fascinating insights about the history of Iceland and the sites we visited, which made the experience even more meaningful. He was also fantastic at spotting the Northern Lights! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Iceland.
A Very Good Tour
MrsSale2014,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I took this tour and it was really good - very informative and enjoyable. Pieter, our guide and driver, was really good and seemed thoroughly knowledgeable in everything he was telling us. I’m glad we took the tour rather than trying to work it all out ourselves - I think we would have missed out on so much…
So much more than expected
SaraAnt,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked this trip as part of a larger package through Exoticca. The Northern Lights and Glacier tour with Snæland Travel was so great, mostly due to our amazing guide, Peter, and the fact that only me and my friend showed up for the tour! Peter was extremely knowledgeable, he showed us so many places and knew the history (and legends!) for each spot. We had a really good time with Peter, he's super easy-going and made our trip much more special than had we gone out on our own. We definitely wouldn't have seen as much, and certainly wouldn't have learned as much! Otherwise, the things people planing a trip want to know - No, we didn't see the northern lights. I booked through Exoticca and our trip detailed 1 of the 2 nights you would go out (I've read about tours that go out night after night until you see them, I was aware that's not what I booked). It was December, lots of clouds. That's the thing with the lights, it's hit or miss. Despite knowing we weren’t going to see them, Petter took us out at 9pm and tried to find them, until after an hour we all agreed that therm clouds weren't breaking and we should head back - There were so many other fun things on our tour to make up for it! (though, I would probably have a different attitude if I hadn't seen the lights for 10 mins in Reykjavik on night 1 of the trip! Lol) The hotel we stayed at was cute, a tad small with the bathroom basically inside the shower stall, but manageable for 2 nights. Clean and cozy. The hotel restaurant was amazing (expensive, but amazing). Get the buffet, no matter what you think about the menu Lol You'll be glad you at least ate well at dinner come breakfast time (no eggs except hard boiled, no bacon, no breakfast meat at all except herring). All in all, this tour made our trip so well worth it, I'd definitely recommend (and kudos to Peter, thanks again!!)
Iceland Glaciers
Boazruth,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although we were disappointed about not seeing the Northern Lights, the Glacier Lagoon tour was spectacular & worth the visit to Iceland!
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